Topic: Welder

[sweet85]

I'm trying to figure out what kind of mig welder is good enought to be able to weld on my rig, such as 2" tubing. I'm hearing 125-135 amp will do the job. Any advise would be greatly appreciated

[jimbo74]

what thickness are you looking to weld? also, what is your budget? cteng has done some pretty stout stuff with 100 amp welders, it's all in the prep work and attention to details


as far as welders, hobart, miller, lincoln are the good ones.... clark isn't bad, cteng has actually used the harbor freight welders with relative sucess, you jsut need proper prep work

[Duffil]

do a search. there are tons of these threads.

[jimbo74]

here:

[sweet85 [OP]]

I'm just starting to learn so I don't care to spend allot on one. I've looked and was wondering if some of the cheaper ones from harbor freight would do the job or not. Basically to weld some marlin sliders on and such.

[KDXSR5]

learn to weld before you start welding junk on a vehicle

[sweet85 [OP]]

Definitely!! I'm not doing it tomorrow or anything. But I don't know anyone who has one so is all I can do is practise on scraps and test the strength.

[KDXSR5]

take some welding classes at the local community college. They are cheap and they will teach you how to do it properly. Right now I am enrolled in my second semester of welding classes, and I have learned a ton.

[jimbo74]

as i have said above, a user here named cteng did a budget welder evaluation... he tested a 100 amp harbor freight unit, and had successful welds, it's all in the prep work.... do a search on it

[93 toyota]

i bought my hobart 140 mig last year in mid may and i love it. it was a little pricey at about 540 bucks but well worth it and more. i welded a 3 inch bumper all up with it and so far it has pulled over a half dozen jeeps and blazers out of a variety of areas   i am welding my bed back up with it and will be doing my solid axle swap with it( i plan on using argon for the swap though) spend the money and enjoy the choice.

[Gittinit]

I suggest going a little bigger than you think you need. I have a miller 210, and wish I had bought the 255 instead. I do have the option of running a spool gun if I ever wanted but the voltage settings arent infinately adjustable like on the 255, and once you really learn how to use your machine to its potential you may wish for more. It really boils down to how much use your welder is gonna see too, I have used mine way more than I had ever planned to.

[jimbo74]

a friend of mine did an SAS on a new fullsize chevy running like 44s now, and welded in my crossmember with a 135 lincoln wire fed


it hasnt fallen apart yet on either... ive kinda winched my truck up the driveway with the ebrake on and in gear with rathet straps, lol

[booger weldz]

i do all the field repairs and modifications on the handrail/stairs we build at work for hospitals and schools with a hobart 140 and flux core wire....this is usually anything from 1/4'' plate to .120'' tubing, just like stuff we would build on our trucks....the welder works great! any bigger stuff and i have to lug the big generator/stick welder around to job sites, thank god that doesnt happen often...